Question: A very dear friend, who is like a brother to me, was diagnosed with prostate cancer and is devastated. He says that his life is over, that he is going to die and refuses any treatment. He would appreciate some opinion. (Abraham J. Kolodziejki, de Rosario)
When a person is informed that they have cancer You usually experience a series of emotions, beliefs and thoughts that are influenced by your personality.your previous experiences and the knowledge you have about the disease.
These beliefs will be crucial in how the person will face their diagnosis and treatment.
Some of the most frequent are:
1) “Cancer is a death sentence.” It is the most common belief and although it is understandable, it is incorrect since, with advances in detection and treatment, there are high survival rates today.
2) “I should have done something to avoid it.” Many people believe that their cancer is the result of past actions or decisions and not living a healthy lifestyle. Although certain risk factors are associated with cancer, it is not always possible to determine a direct cause and this belief can lead to feelings of guilt or self-reproach.
3) “The treatment will be worse than the disease.” Fear of the side effects of chemotherapy or radiotherapy is another common belief due to anticipating that the treatments will be painful or debilitating, which can affect the decision to move forward with the recommended therapeutic options.
This fear may be amplified by stories or experiences of other patients.
4) “My life will never be the same.” Cancer can cause a certainty that life as we knew it is over, including fears about loss of independence, changes in body image, or the inability to perform daily activities.
However, many people manage to adapt and lead full lives after treatment.
5) “I am going to be a burden on my family.” Concerns often arise about how the illness will affect their family, both emotionally and financially, increasing feelings of guilt with additional stress.
6) “Cancer is inherited.” This incorrect belief can cause unnecessary worries about loved ones, even though most cancers develop without a prior family history.
Only a small percentage of cancers (about 5-10%) are directly related to inherited genetic mutations. Most cancers result from mutations acquired during a person’s lifetime, due to factors such as aging, exposure to carcinogens, and lifestyle.
7) “If I feel good, it can’t be that serious.” Some people, especially if they do not have visible or serious symptoms – which is positive – may minimize the seriousness of the diagnosis and deny the need to follow treatments.
8) “I have no control over my health.” The experience of completely losing control over your health and your life can lead to a feeling of hopelessness or the belief that no matter what you do, your fate is already sealed.
9) “Cancer returns after treatment.” Many patients are completely cured and do not experience recurrences. But since some have that risk, continuous monitoring is required.
In conclusion, some beliefs may be realistic and adaptive, but others may be based on myths or misunderstandings, with their negative consequences.
